Tips when shooting macro

Macro Photography has its own challenges and uniqueness when shooting, because the objects of the photo are small objects or animals, such as insects. So in terms of technique, it requires a different approach compared to photographing other objects.

( what you see)



 (what I see 🤭)

Based on my experience and that of seniors who have been taking macro photos for a long time, there are several things that need to be prepared and considered when taking macro photos, in order to produce good and good photos.

1. Time to Take Photos

If we want to take photos of insects, for example butterflies, the best time to take photos is in the morning before the sun starts to get hot, around 6 - 8 am (Indonesian time). Why is it recommended to take macro photos in the morning? Because at that time insects usually don't move much, some are even still sleeping. If we take photos a little later, the insects will have started their activities, they will have started to be aggressive so they are difficult to photograph. In addition to the morning, macro photography can also be done in the afternoon, namely around 5 - 6 pm. However, we may need to prepare additional light such as LED lights or flash to overcome the conditions of sunlight that is starting to dim.



2. Study the Object's Activity

If we want to photograph insects, such as butterflies, dragonflies, mantises, and others, we must be able to see and observe their activities. By understanding their activity patterns, we can get special moments, such as the moment when a dragonfly has breakfast, a butterfly mates, a bee flies to a flower, and so on.


3. Do Not Hurt Insects

One of the important things that must not be violated in macro photography is that we are not allowed to hurt insects. We are not allowed to force or catch insects in a way that hurts them in order to get a good photo. It is better to photograph insects in their proper place, in their natural habitat. So we are the ones who adjust them, not the insects that are forced to follow our wishes.
Then what if you want to take Stage Macro Photography? Stage Macro Photography is photographing macro objects whose positions and moments are set by the photographer. It is okay, as long as it is done near the natural habitat. For example, bringing a water spray to create a dew effect, bringing your own background, as long as you do not hurt the insects, it is still allowed.


4. Don't Wear Perfume

What's the connection between photographing insects and wearing perfume? Some insects are sensitive and don't like the smell of perfume, so when we approach them at a fairly close distance, they tend to run away because they don't like the smell of perfume on our bodies, so we can't get their photos. Those who rarely shower will be visible 😂


5. Get Enough Sleep and Breakfast

This is one of the unique things about Macro Photography, getting enough sleep and having breakfast is important before we take pictures. Because as I mentioned above, macro photography is taking pictures of small objects at very close range using a macro lens (dismantled lens), so we have to hold the camera/smartphone steadily, it shouldn't shake even a little. Because a little movement on the camera/smartphone can have a big impact on small photo objects, finally the photo results can be blurry, not sharp. If we don't get enough sleep the night before taking pictures, usually our hands will tremble/shake, especially if we don't have breakfast, it will be even more fatal. So we need to hold the camera/phone steadily and stably, no vibrations or shaking. So don't forget to get enough sleep and have breakfast.




That's a brief introduction to Macro Photography that I can share based on my experience, if there are friends who want to add, please write in the comments. Please share if you find it useful!